ACT Delivers More Details on 'Next Generation' Tests

Last week, the ACT’s education division president Jon Erickson interviewed with the Chronicle of Higher Education about his organization’s plans to implement a comprehensive testing program for students K-12 beginning in 2014. Though there is much skepticism regarding what a program of this sort might provide as it relates to improved metrics for assessing and addressing college preparedness, Mr. Erickson cleared up any confusion on what the program is not – a “Kindergarten Career Test.”

Essentially, the series of tests will attempt to assess knowledge, basic and higher-level skills, and academic behaviors thought to be associated with success in college and careers. Additionally, close attention will be paid to students’ progress toward academic and professional goals. The tests will be administered to students in grades 3 through 12 initially, and will later included kindergarten through grade 2.

No further details were provided about the types of questions the tests will include or the cost associated with them.